Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov.-elect Kim Reynolds today named Jason E. Glass as the new director of the Iowa Department of Education.

“My goal is to make Iowa’s schools the best in the country, and I have found the individual who will help our state achieve this objective,” said Gov. Branstad. “Jason is a reform-minded leader for this department, and someone who will bring a strong sense of accountability to the position. He is a collaborator, and all of Iowa’s students, teachers and parents will benefit with Jason as director.”

Glass, 39, is currently the senior director for human capital strategy at Battelle for Kids, where he provides policy leadership and technical consulting to state departments of education and school districts in implementing comprehensive human capital strategies, including strategic compensation systems, evaluation systems and the use of multiple measures to improve teaching effectiveness and student learning.

His previous experience includes the director of human resources for Eagle County Schools, where he was director of all human resource functions for the more than 900 district employees. He also spent a number of years working within the Colorado Department of Education.

He holds a B.A. in Political Science, and a Master’s in both Education and Political Science, all from the University of Kentucky. He is scheduled to receive his PhD in Education from Seton Hall University in March of next year.

“I feel very fortunate to accept this position in a state where education has been, and continues to be, a priority,” said Glass. “To all the educators in Iowa, you have my admiration and I honor your noble service in this sacred and important work. Our efforts to meet the challenge of this global economy and post-industrial era must come on two fronts, innovation and improvement. I pledge to work closely with Iowa’s policy makers, community leaders, and most importantly its talented and dedicated educators in meeting the challenges before us.”

Jason E. Glass Bio

Following a 15-year career in education, Jason Glass joined Battelle for Kids in 2010 to lead the organization’s strategic compensation and other human capital development innovations. In his role as Senior Director of Human Capital, providing states, districts and schools with strategic counsel to help them effectively implement comprehensive human capital and strategic compensation programs.

Prior to joining Battelle for Kids, Jason served as Director of Human Resources for Eagle County Schools in Colorado. In this role, he collaborated with a district leadership team to develop and implement a strategic plan for over 900 district staff. As a consultant for the Colorado Department of Education, he coordinated academic testing of the state’s students with disabilities and oversaw test development, reporting, budget management, technical integrity and administration. As vice president for Qualistar Early Learning, Jason oversaw the Qualistar Ratings Division and partnered with company leadership, government agencies, non-profit and business entities and stakeholders in the early childhood community.

With a passion for communicating with diverse populations, Jason has presented and served as a panelist at numerous national conferences and symposiums, including the National School Boards Association, Council of Chief State School Officers and the University of Texas Institute for Public Initiatives. He has also conducted research and published articles around assessment, special education data collection and the media.

Jason, 39, comes from a family of educators, with both his parents being retired teachers. His wife, Sarah, is a teacher in the Columbus, OH, area and they will be relocating to Des Moines in January.

Professional Experience

Battelle for Kids, September 2010–Present
Senior Director, Human Capital Strategy
· Provide policy leadership and technical consulting to state departments of education and school districts in implementing comprehensive human capital strategies, including strategic compensation systems, evaluation systems and the use of multiple measures to improve teaching effectiveness and student learning.

Eagle County Schools, 2007–2010
Director of Human Resources (2007–2010)
· Directed all human resource functions for public school system with 900+ employees.
· Served on District Leadership Team as executive cabinet to the Superintendent, developing and implementing strategic plans.

Director of Research and Assessment (2007)
· Conducted statistical analysis of student assessment data, teacher evaluation data and other data sources.
· Participated in strategic decision making with district leadership and provided guidance in the Teacher Advancement Program and in the Technology Department.

Colorado Department of Education, 2001–2006
Principal Consultant, Student Achievement (2005–2006)
· Coordinated academic testing of students with disabilities in Colorado’s educational accountability systems.
· Directed local educational agencies in testing students with disabilities, including the provision of allowable accommodations.
· Oversaw test development, administration, reporting, budget management and technical integrity (validity and reliability) of the CSAPA for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

Regional Liaison, Pikes Peak Region (2006)
· Communicated state directives and goals with local educational agencies and institutions in the Colorado Springs area.

Senior Consultant, Research and Evaluation (2001–2005)
· Developed formal evaluations and research designs on education programs and policy questions, with a focus on those related to exceptional students and teaching.
· Oversaw instrument design, data collection, data storage systems, analysis and presentation of program evaluation and original research.

Project Manager (2001–2004)
· Oversaw federal data enhancement grant which provides resources to improve the quality and availability of data for education monitoring and research, which included the development of a comprehensive online system of data entry, retrieval and analysis.

University of Kentucky, 1998–2001
Instructor (1999–2001)
· Organized and led undergraduate lecture, discussion and learning activities in several college courses including Political Behavior, and State and Local Government.

Teaching Assistant (1999)
· Led undergraduate discussion sections in American Government, Orientation to Political Science, and Politics and the Media.

Georgetown College, (2001)
Adjunct Instructor
· Organized and led undergraduate courses in American Government, with special concentration on developing citizen involvement and experience-based education.

Hazard Independent Schools, 1996–1998
Social Studies Teacher, High School
· Designed courses and instructed students of mixed ability grades 9–12 in subjects of World Civilizations and Global Issues, with an emphasis on creative, interactive lessons and assessment.

Education
· Seton Hall University, Doctor of Education Candidate, Educational Leadership
· University of Kentucky, Master of Arts, Political Science
· University of Kentucky, Master of Arts, Education
· University of Kentucky, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science